The wood-wife hung her head and spake nought for a while; then she
said: I see that thou wilt have it so, and that there is something
in thine heart which we, who are not children of Adam, may not
understand; yet once wert thou more like unto us. Now all I may say
is, that thou must rule in this matter, and that I am sad.

Then she looked down again and presently raised a brighter face, and
said: Belike all shall be better than I thought. Then she kissed
Birdalone and they parted for that time.



CHAPTER XIX. THEY BID FAREWELL, BIRDALONE AND THE WOOD-MOTHER



Now April was gone, and May was come with the thorn a-blossoming, and
there was Birdalone waxing still in loveliness. And now the witch
had left all girding at her even, and spake to her but little, save
when she needs must. But to Birdalone it seemed that she watched her
exceeding closely.

Birdalone went oft to the wood, and learned yet more of lore: but of
the matter of the Departure, how it was to be gone about they spake
no more, and great was the love betwixt them.

At last when May was worn nigh to June came Birdalone to the Oak of
Tryst, and found the wood-mother there; and when they had talked a
while, but ever from the teeth out, spake Habundia: Though thou be
now the wiser of us two maybe, yet have I wisdom to wot that this is